The mind is the control center of life. It’s where decisions are made, beliefs are formed and battles are fought. As Rick Renner explains in a recent video from Renner Ministries, the enemy’s primary target is our thoughts. Through a systematic approach, the devil seeks to infiltrate our minds, sow confusion and build strongholds of deception. But by understanding his tactics, we can stand firm, equipped with God’s power and spiritual armor.
Here are the five ways the devil gets in your head:
1. Devil (diabolos)
Renner explains that the name “devil” is a job description derived from the Greek word diabolos, meaning “one who strikes and strikes and strikes” with the intent to penetrate the mind.
“The devil comes and begins to assault. He has something in his hand—an allegation or a lie—and like a ball or a rock, he’s throwing it and hurling it and hurling it,” Renner says. “His purpose is to penetrate… he understands that your mind is the control center of your life.”
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2. Wilds (methodias)
The devil’s attacks are not random; they are methodical. The Greek word methodias means “with a road” or “with an avenue,” illustrating the enemy’s targeted approach.
“The devil… operates with a road, an avenue of attack. He’s headed right for your brain because he wants to seize your mind and take your mind captive,” Renner explains. “When he gets there, his goal is to pound and pound and pound with lies and accusations until finally he beats a hole into your head and penetrates you.”
3. Devices (noema)
Once the enemy gains access to the mind, his goal is to scramble it. The Greek word noema refers to a confused or disordered mind.
“The devil’s intention is to pound and pound and pound your mind until finally he… scrambles your brain so you can’t think right, you can’t see right,” Renner says. “All you hear is all these voices… pulling a device on you, scrambling your brains, and confusing you.”
4. Strongholds (ochurōma)
A stronghold is a mental fortress built on lies. It keeps the truth out and traps the person within. Renner uses the imagery of a castle to describe these strongholds.
“When the devil has pounded his way into a person’s brain and scrambled their thinking… he begins to build a stronghold in their mind,” Renner says. “It’s like they’re living inside a castle, a well-defended lie… it keeps the help on the outside.”
5. Oppression (katadunasteuō)
Finally, the enemy seeks to dominate and oppress. The Greek word for oppression describes a tyrant ruling over his subjects.
“The devil’s goal for your life is to build a lie in your head that is so well fortified that he can move in,” Renner says. “He wants to sit on your brain, control your emotions, and dictate to you what you’re going to feel and believe… like a tyrant, he will dominate you for the rest of your life unless you pull it down and destroy it.”
Equipping Yourself for Victory
Renner emphasizes that believers have spiritual weapons to combat the enemy’s tactics. “When you’ve got the power of God and you’re dressed in the whole armor of God, you can stop the devil from finding entrance to your life,” he says.
Understanding these five strategies equips us to recognize and resist the devil’s schemes. With God’s truth and power, we can tear down strongholds, reclaim our minds and walk in victory.
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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.
